Herring & Hemp
Between Amsterdam, Alkmaar, Hoorn and Purmerend, you will find a beautiful peat meadow area that lends itself well to exploration. This area used to be a prosperous island, which is why it is called the Eilandspolder. Relax here.
Start your route by turning right at VVV de Rijp onto Rechtestraat. From here, set course for Grootschermer and walk straight through the Eilandspolder. In this watery meadow landscape, you can spot all kinds of protected bird species, such as curlew, black-tailed godwit, lapwing, spoonbill and reed warbler. In the dike village of Grootschermer, you can visit the village church and town hall.
On the way from Grootschermer to Driehuizen and Noordeinde, you can look out over De Schermer polder, the last large polder in North Holland. From Noordeinde, you walk through Graft, which was once prosperous due to the catching of herring and cultivation of hemp. Finally, you end in De Rijp, where you admire the beautiful stained-glass windows of the Grote Kerk on the last stretch of the route. Especially in the summer months, this is a true work of art!
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Start your route by turning right at VVV de Rijp onto Rechtestraat. From here, set course for Grootschermer and walk straight through the Eilandspolder. In this watery meadow landscape, you can spot all kinds of protected bird species, such as curlew, black-tailed godwit, lapwing, spoonbill and reed warbler. In the dike village of Grootschermer, you can visit the village church and town hall.
On the way from Grootschermer to Driehuizen and Noordeinde, you can look out over De Schermer polder, the last large polder in North Holland. From Noordeinde, you walk through Graft, which was once prosperous due to the catching of herring and cultivation of hemp. Finally, you finish in De Rijp, where you admire the beautiful stained-glass windows of the Grote Kerk on the last stretch of the route. Especially in the summer months, this is a true work of art!
During your walk, make time to stroll through the lovely villages you pass. Here, history is there for the taking! Admire beautiful buildings from times gone by such as historic town halls, take a look in the smallest candy shop in Graft for delicious old Dutch candy or go back in time while visiting the various museums on the route. Along the way, you will come across plenty of nice catering establishments for a refreshing drink or tasty lunch.
Important information:
- Free parking is available on Jan Ploegerlaan.
- This route is not accessible during the breeding season from 15 March to 15 June.
See more information and great tips on the Land of Leeghwater page.
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TOP De Rijp
TOPs, short for Tourist Transfer Points, offer a convenient start to your exploration of the rural area. Each TOP provides parking facilities, after which you can explore the area by bike, on foot or even by boat
TOP De Rijp
TOPs, short for Tourist Transfer Points, offer a convenient start to your exploration of the rural area. Each TOP provides parking facilities, after which you can explore the area by bike, on foot or even by boat
On the information kiosks at each TOP you will find various routes that lead you to the most beautiful spots, peaceful surroundings and beautiful nature of Laag Holland. During your tour, you will pass surprising resting points and cosy catering establishments, and the TOPs show you the way to find them. You can recognise the TOPs by their green information columns.
The Land of Leeghwater, named after the famous Golden Age hydraulic engineer Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater, comprises the peat meadow area of the Eilandspolder amidst the Schermer and Beemster reclaimed land. De Rijp, originally located on the Schermer Island, moved to the banks of the Beemster Lake in the 15th century, where it became a prosperous village and is known as 'the best village in Holland'. Leeghwater's birthplace is still praised for its beautiful architecture and urban planning, and is designated a protected village conservation area for its well-preserved historical value.
Museum Jan Boon
The Walhuis dates from 1725. Here you will find a small exhibition of records of Jan Boon, the last shipowner of De Rijp.
Museum Jan Boon
The Walhuis dates from 1725. Here you will find a small exhibition of records of Jan Boon, the last shipowner of De Rijp.
The Boon family was mainly involved in fishing, both whaling and herring fishing. After more than 100 years of vacancy, it was decided in 1983 to restore the former barn - the Walhuis (1725) - and give it a socio-cultural purpose. Here you will find an exhibition on the life and work of Jan Boon junior.
About Museum Jan Boon
Jan Boon's estate included not only various business assets, but also movable and immovable property that could be counted as private property of the Boon family. These items included documents of a personal nature, such as letters, a family bible, various household effects and a large collection of nautical maps by renowned Dutch cartographers. Some of the items were kept in the Society's premises and others in a barn (now the Walhuis) by the water. The condition of the items was, in many cases, downright poor. Stamps and parts of texts had been cut away, probably at the hands of the children of the various directors. Moreover, mould and mice and insects did not improve the condition of these documents. Documents were also given to third parties for inspection without any records.
After the foundation of the Rijper"Museum In 't Houten Huis" in 1937, it was decided to loan several pieces to the museum. Part of this collection is on permanent display there in the "living room" to this day.
De Rijp town hall
In the historic centre of De Rijp stands the centuries-old Town Hall of De Rijp. This beautiful building was designed by Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater in 1630.
De Rijp town hall
In the historic centre of De Rijp stands the centuries-old Town Hall of De Rijp. This beautiful building was designed by Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater in 1630.
Despite the fire in January 1654, the building has been beautifully preserved. Fortunately for us, because this still allows us to enjoy it to this day.
In the Council House, there are many other beautiful things to see. For example, on the ground floor you will find a weighing facility, also known as De Waag. This is where cattle and agricultural and industrial products used to be weighed. How cool is that! Besides The Weigh House, there is much more to see in the Town Hall. Think for instance of an original 17th-century fire hose by Jan van der Heijden, portrait of Jan Boon (richest shipowner in De Rijp), portrait of Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater and more.
De Rijp 's VVV is currently located in the Town Hall and is a popular wedding, meeting and presentation venue. The ground floor is freely accessible. A guided tour of the entire building requires an appointment.
Museum In 't Houten Huis
The museum offers a very varied collection about the history of De Rijp and the Schermer Island.
Museum In 't Houten Huis
The museum offers a very varied collection about the history of De Rijp and the Schermer Island.
The poor peat soil drove them onto the water. They were Sont sailors, herring fishermen and whalers. At home, ship owners, merchants, rope makers, coopers and other craftsmen earned their living from shipping. As an introduction to what you will see in the museum, you will see two short films in the audiovisual room. In these, Jan Adriaansz Leeghwater (born in De Rijp in 1575) plays an important role.
One film is about the development of the Schermer Island from the Middle Ages to the present day. The second film is about the battle against the water and about the reclamation works. In it, Jan Adriaansz Leeghwater (born in De Rijp in 1575) plays an important role. The museum has a lot to offer. For instance, the themes of herring fishing, whaling and seafaring are highlighted using old sea charts, journals, prints, ship parts, models of herring pipes, whale bones and baleen objects. A kayak brought back from Greenland by Rijper whalers is a masterpiece of the collection. There are small audiovisual presentations about this kayak, seafaring, and herring fishing.
Breeding season
In the period from 15 March to 15 June, all or part of this route is closed due to the breeding season.
Breeding season
In the period from 15 March to 15 June, all or part of this route is closed due to the breeding season.
Village church Grootschermer
Grootschermer's original church collapsed during a violent storm in 1612.
Village church Grootschermer
Grootschermer's original church collapsed during a violent storm in 1612.
5,000 guilders was made available for reconstruction. On 15 June 1762, the first stone of the present Reformed church was laid by the five-year-old son of the then pastor. The village church in Grootschermer The original church of Grootschermer collapsed in 1612 during a violent storm. 5,000 guilders were made available for its reconstruction. On 15 June 1762, the first stone of the present Reformed church was laid by the five-year-old son of the then vicar. A marble stone above the church entrance recalls this. The present church is considered a typical post-Reformation Protestant building with a floor plan like a rectangle without any interruptions. Pulpit, baptistery and pews are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hall. Most of the furniture comes from the earlier church. Tower cock and swinging bell are from 1648. The bell still bears the old coat of arms of the Schermer region, the mole and two pikes. A number of brass attributes in the church date from 1764. The dial of the tower clock on the east side is larger than the one on the westzijde because people had to be able to see the time from afar from the Eilandspolder (working area of many villagers). The hall church is largely still in its original state and was thoroughly restored in 1978. In the process, efforts were made to bring back the old colours as much as possible. The church is wheelchair accessible and can seat 170 people.
Town hall in Grootschermer
Grootschermer is proud of its old Town Hall and would like to give interested parties the opportunity to view the building from the inside. You will also find small-scale exhibitions about the village and its surroundings.
Town hall in Grootschermer
Grootschermer is proud of its old Town Hall and would like to give interested parties the opportunity to view the building from the inside. You will also find small-scale exhibitions about the village and its surroundings.
From 1 May to 30 September, the Council House is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm. The Raadhuis is also available as a meeting and wedding location. Grootschermer Town Hall is the perfect meeting location for your company or organisation. The tranquillity of the rural area, combined with the historic appearance of the Council Chamber in the magnificent National Monument, create the optimal ambience for a successful meeting.
The Grafter tombstone floor
Have you noticed? In the small-scale village of Graft, there is no church in sight even though it really stood there years ago.
The Grafter tombstone floor
Have you noticed? In the small-scale village of Graft, there is no church in sight even though it really stood there years ago.
Not everyone notices, but for the observant viewer, there is still something to be seen of the former Dutch Reformed Church. In fact, when the church was demolished in the 1950s due to decay, they preserved the tombstone floor. And lucky for us!
In 2006 - 2007, the tombstone floor was fully restored and made accessible as a silence experience area. There is also an information column. Press the button and listen to the best stories about the Grafters, poems and music. Would you like to visit the tombstone floor? Then find it right next to the town hall.
Graft town hall
The former Graft Town Hall was built in 1613, commissioned by Prince Maurits. The building was built entirely in the Dutch Renaissance style.
Graft town hall
The former Graft Town Hall was built in 1613, commissioned by Prince Maurits. The building was built entirely in the Dutch Renaissance style.
It is characterised by the combined use of brick and natural stone, exuberant ornamentation with decorative brickwork, blocks of sandstone, gable stones and carved figures.
Since 1970, the year that Graft and De Rijp formed the municipality of Graft-De Rijp, the building no longer serves as a town hall. However, the old town hall has continued to serve as a wedding venue. The Town Hall also houses an annex of Museum In 't Houten Huis, museum for the Schermer Island. Changing exhibitions are held here every year. For opening hours and further details, visit the website of Museum In 't Houten Huis.
Bram & Aagie
In the middle of Graft, you will find the nostalgic and also smallest sweet shop in the Netherlands (only 5.5 m2): Bram and Aagie. The cosy little shop dates back to 1890 and the interior has changed very little over the years.
Bram & Aagie
In the middle of Graft, you will find the nostalgic and also smallest sweet shop in the Netherlands (only 5.5 m2): Bram and Aagie. The cosy little shop dates back to 1890 and the interior has changed very little over the years.
As soon as you step into the shop and hear the shop bell ring, you imagine yourself back in time.
From behind the counter, loaves of bread, later vegetables and until 1985 cigars and cigarettes were sold by Bram and Aagje (popularly known as Aagie) van Petten. The shop now proudly bears their name. Bram's antique, old bread cart, in which he peddled bread for years, still stands in front of the door.
Anno now, you will find a rich assortment of real old Dutch sweets such as ulevellen, stroopsoldaatjes and grape sugar in the shop. There are also many old tins and trinkets to admire. Come along and have a look!
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